Put in Bay Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ’s

How far in advance should I make Put in Bay lodging reservations?

It is suggested that you make your Commodore Resort Hotel Put-in-Bay lodging reservations very early in the year especially if your stay involves a weekend. Put-in-Bay hotel rooms are limited on the Island and booking early will help insure you get the dates you want. You may book online by visiting our accommodations page and selecting the room of your choice.

How do I get to Put-in-Bay Ohio?

We have two ferryboat operators that service the Island. The Jet Express and the Miller Ferry links may be found on our Directions Page

Do I need my car on the Island?

We recommend you do NOT bring a car to the Island. Aside from the expense associated with transporting your vehicle, parking is very limited on South Bass Island. Waits to get a car on or off the Island can run as long as four hours. Hotel rooms located on the accommodations page of this site are located in town and just a short walk from most attractions. We offer golf Cart Rental at our sister hotel, Put in Bay Victory Station. Ask about rental deals with your room.

What is the weather like in Put-in-Bay Ohio?

The weather at Put-in-Bay is much like all of northern Ohio coastal communities. In spring and fall a light jacket our sweatshirt is recommend for evenings. Island dress is casual. Current weather and a 10-day forecast may be found in our weather section. Just remember, it NEVER rains in our great restaurants and bars!

Do your Put-in-Bay hotels have a minimum stay?

On weekends, starting the first weekend in June through Labor Day, we require a three night minimum stay. All other weekends are a two night required minimum stay.. There is no minimum stay requirement Sunday thru Thursday nights where Sundays are not on a holiday or event weekend.

More FAQ? Can I bring alcohol to my Put-in-Bay hotel room?

Yes, we permit you to bring your own beverages to your own room. You may not bring your alcoholic beverages into any of our bars or poolside bars as they are considered part of the liquor permit premises. There is no need to bother bringing beer and wine from the mainland as we have carry outs here on the Island with prices comparable with those on the mainland. There is no liquor store on the Island.

What time do the Put-in-Bay bars close?

As a general rule, most downtown Put-in-Bay bars close around 1:00 am. Mr. Ed’s Bar and Grille Delaware Ave is open till 2:30 am.

Where can I eat late night or when the bars close?

For a quick, healthy, tasty treat after a long night of drinking; stop by the Commodore Hotel lobby! Here you will find those famous “Five Dollar Footlongs” from Subway Restaurant, which is open til three am, in season of course

How do I cancel or view a booking I made through Expedia

If you Book on Expedia you must Cancel your reservations with them! There rules

To view or cancel a booking you’ll need your itinerary number and the email address you used to make your booking. You can then log-in on here or via the link in your confirmation email.

The itinerary number for an Expedia booking is an 8 digit number (e.g. 12345678 This does change at times) and you’ll find this on the confirmation email we sent you. If you haven’t received your email please check your spam folder.

Find the reservation you would like to cancel and click the “Cancel Your Reservation” option below that reservation. You will be taken to a page that shows the details related to this reservation. A confirmation message will appear, and your cancellation confirmation will be emailed to you.

Do I need a driver’s license to rent a golf cart?

Yes! Golf Carts are treated as licensed motor vehicles on the Island. All traffic laws apply including open container laws as well as drinking and driving. In 2013 we opened a new property at the end of the street called Put in Bay Victory Station Golf Cart Rental which will offer golf cart rentals. We will rent to licensed drivers over the age of 18. Ask to rent a cart with your hotel reservation and receive a discount. Look for our coupons

Can I walk from bar to bar with a drink in Put-in-Bay?

NO! As anywhere in Ohio, we have an open container law. No alcoholic beverages may leave a liquor permit establishment. This is strictly enforced.

What if I miss the last ferry?

This is not recommended! Trying to find a last minute hotel late in the evening can be difficult if not impossible.

Do I need advance reservations for the ferryboats?

No! Our ferryboat services can transport as many as 300 people per trip and have numerous boats. Arrive early for your trip to Put-in-Bay!

What bands are playing in Put-in-Bay?

Does Put-in-Bay have a school?

Yes! Put-in-Bay has a k-12 school that is located in the downtown area.

Is there a grocery and a place to buy beer and wine?

Yes! There is a full service grocery on the Island on Catawba Avenue. There is a drive thru with beer and wine located next to the Boathouse Bar and Grill on Hartford Avenue.

What is Put-in-Bay’s operating season?

Our season starts April 10th and our last big weekend is the Halloween weekend the last weekend in October. Off-season activities include walleye and perch ice fishing.

How do you get back and forth from the Island in the winter?

When the ferryboats stop running, there are several charter airlines that fly in and out of Put-in-Bay. When there is a cold winter, a few brave souls drive their vehicles, snowmobiles and 4 wheelers across the ice to the mainland.

How far are you from Cedar Point?

Both ferryboat lines can be reached from Cedar Point in about 30 minutes.

Where is the best place to eat in Put-in-Bay?

That is a tough one! There are a wide variety of great dining choices on the Island that serve an even wider variety of food. While touring the Island, stop in and look over the menus to determine your choice! A popular choice is Mr. Ed’s Bar & Grille

How many people live on the Island in the winter?

About the Fitzgerald Family

We offer 88 rooms on Put in Bay, Ohio with our 2 hotels, Victory Station Hotel and Commodore Resort, along with 87 more rooms at our 2 Hotels, Beach Front and Commodore Perry Inn in Port Clinton, Ohio Which all 4 properties are within walking distance to the Jet Express.
Hungry? Mr. Ed's Bar and Grille on Put in Bay is the place to be. Want to dance? Green Room has great nightlife.
In Port Clinton, Ohio you also have another Mr. Ed's at the Commodore Perry Inn. Across the street on the shore of Lake Erie you have Docks Beach House Bar and Grille next to Beach Front Hotel. Coming soon is a RAW BAR